During a three-day state visit to India, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in rare self-reflection. In an interview with local media, he admitted that during his terms in office, he made serious mistakes stemming from overconfidence. These confessions came in the context of building relationships with the younger generation and strengthening economic and technological cooperation between Paris and Delhi.
Emmanuel Macron's Self-Reflection
The President of France admitted that overconfidence was the cause of his serious mistakes in communicating with society while in office.
Technological Diplomacy
The visit to India resulted in new contracts for French startups and a debate on artificial intelligence regulations with the participation of Sam Altman.
Successes of French Giants
Despite political confessions, the economy is sending signals of strength: Air France is reporting record profits, and the Accor group is maintaining ambitious targets.
President Emmanuel Macron concluded an intensive three-day visit to India, visiting Mumbai and New Delhi. The main media highlight of the trip became an interview granted to the Brut India platform, in which the French leader made a public reckoning. Macron admitted that his "overconfidence" led to significant missteps, particularly in the sphere of public communication. While he did not specify particular laws or political decisions, he noted that these mistakes manifested in the way speeches were formulated, which were sometimes poorly received by society. He confessed that when a person loses sensitivity to how their words are perceived by others, mistakes are easily made. Emmanuel Macron was first elected President of France in 2017 as the youngest leader in the history of the Fifth Republic. His rule is characterized by ambitious economic reforms, but also by violent social protests, such as the "yellow vests" movement in 2018.However, the visit had primarily a strategic and economic dimension. The President was accompanied by a large business delegation, including representatives from the technology sector. During a forum in New Delhi, discussions were held about the future of artificial intelligence and the necessity for its global regulation. Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, appealed for the creation of an international legal framework for the development of this technology. Simultaneously, French startups from the French Tech sector signed a series of contracts in the Indian market, which is intended to strengthen France's position as a key technological partner for India. While the President focused on diplomacy, financial markets closely followed reports about the possible early departure of Christine Lagarde from her position as head of the ECB. „Every time I had too much confidence, I made mistakes, big mistakes.” — Emmanuel Macron3 days — duration of the French President's official visit to India Parallel to the events in India, French public opinion was preoccupied with reports about the condition of national giants. The company Accor confirmed its financial targets for the coming year, and Air France reported record operating profits. Despite positive data from the real economy, analysts on BFM Bourse programs pointed to tensions on the Iran-USA line, which were driving up oil prices. President Macron, asked about his plans if he were 25 today, indicated a desire to develop skills in art and innovation, which aligns with his strategy of rejuvenating his image and reaching Gen Z through social media and direct contact with youth in India.
Mentioned People
- Emmanuel Macron — President of France on a state visit to India.
- Sébastien Bazin — CEO of the Accor hotel group.
- Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank, whose future in the position is the subject of speculation.